Govt gunman-turned-soldier Lance Naik Nazir Wani to be conferred with Ashok Chakra

Wani, 38, hailed from Ashmuji in Kulgam. He died on November 25 during a fierce gunfight

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who was killed during a gunfight with the militants in south Kashmir’s Shopian in November last year, will be conferred with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, officials said Thursday.

Wani, 38, hailed from Ashmuji in Kulgam. He died on November 25 during a fierce gunfight.

He was a militant, but later became a government gunman. He joined the Army in 2004.

Wani was part of a number of anti-militancy operations in South Kashmir, officials said.

Ashok Chakra is the highest peacetime military decoration for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.

Wani was also awarded Sena Medal for fighting militants.